Roosecote Farm, Barrow, subject of plans for six new houses

Roosecote Farm, on Dungeon Lane, on the outskirts of Barrow, contains many Grade II listed structures, some dating as far back as the 17th century, and has been rented out by owner The Holker Estate Trust for many years as two separate farms.

Modern farm buildings have been built in recent years as the historic buildings were unsuitable for agricultural use and plans have now been submitted to demolish the asbestos-clad modern structures and convert the existing, original barns into six new, historically sympathetic dwellings with a shared courtyard, at the same time renovating the original farmhouse.

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The Design Statement submitted to Barrow Council describes the original farm buildings as being 'traditionally constructed with walls built in local red and buff sandstone'.

LISTED: The traditional brick and stone work is apparent

"The ground floors of the barns are all solid concrete or flagged and the first floors boarded on suspended timber joists," it says.

"The proposal is to demolish all the modern steel-framed clad buildings on the western side of Dungeon Lane and convert all the traditional barns into residential use. 

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"This will create an attractive shared amenity courtyard and private gardens.

"The farmhouse is to be upgraded and provided with a new stone-clad garage.

"Car parking spaces are provided for each dwelling and are located with either open parking areas in the courtyard or in integral or new-build garage."

The new houses will range from one to four bedrooms, and the statement emphasises that care will be taken to preserve the historic nature of the structures.

PLANS: The ambitious new development plan

"The conversion of the barns into dwellings has been very carefully considered so as to minimise the physical impact of the interventions both onto and into the historic fabric," it says.

"Extensive site trials will be carried out prior to continuing with the remainder, to obtain the best aesthetic match and physical suitability for the walls.

"Importantly, the design includes differentiation between existing building fabric and new, distinct addition.

"This will allow the new interventions to be clearly discernible from the older fabric, thereby allowing, in historic terms, clarity of appearance."

The plan also includes widening the existing vehicular access from Dungeon Lane.